Surveys in Samoa expand island's known freshwater biodiversity

Surveys by scientists of Wetlands International Oceania, IUCN Oceania and Paris Museum of Natural History in France confirmed that Samoa has a unique and highly threatened freshwater fauna. At least three new records of fish were recorded for Samoa including one (perhaps 2) potential new species to science.

A team of scientists from Wetlands International - Oceania and IUCN Oceania based in Fiji, and the , was recently in Samoa for a preliminary survey of the freshwater fauna of Samoa focusing on fish and crustaceans.

The surveys confirmed that Samoa has a unique and highly threatened freshwater fauna. At least three new records of fish were recorded for Samoa including one (perhaps 2) potential new species to science. In addition there were nine new records of crustaceans including one potential new species.